State Senator Martin J. Golden’s Testimony to the Mta

Brooklyn- State Senator Martin J. Golden (R-C-I, Brooklyn), Member of the MTA Capital Review Board, released the following testimony given to the MTA at their hearing in Brooklyn regarding the proposed fare hikes:

“The current fare for public transportation and toll bridges is prohibitive and costly. For this simple reason, I oppose the proposed hikes and ask the MTA to hold off on implementing them. The residents of my district, who already have limited options for mass transportation, would be hit hard by the increased fares. My district already sees a need for increased services on local subway and bus lines, which have some of the longest waiting times as is. The MTA should strongly consider not imposing an increase to fares but instead should be trying to find ways to increase service to its riders.

In addition to fares, commuters being forced to pay an increase on tolls, specifically at the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, is not appropriate or close to affordable. This toll price is outrageous to begin with, which is why this past May, to combat this prohibitive fare, I proposed legislation to have the MTA provide a discount program for residents who utilize the bridge more than three times per month, a comfort that is already being utilized on Port Authority bridges. By raising tolls, you further burden those who need to travel to Staten Island for work, schools, or to visit relatives with no relief to this cost. A toll of this nature is simply a tax on drivers and this tax is making it harder for people to earn a living and get around town. Charging more than $15.00 to cross from one borough to another is just plain wrong, and I urge the members here today to consider adopting my plan for toll relief for Brooklyn residents who travel often to Staten Island."